Master of Arts in English for Teachers
Beginning in January 2023, the MA in English for Teachers program will move to a fully online delivery model.
The Master of Arts in English for Teachers is an inspiring, engaging, and challenging program that emphasizes breadth and depth of subject matter, as it deepens passion for language arts and literature. Not only will you become more immersed and connected to your study, but you will also develop the teaching skills to help your passion and expertise translate in the classroom to inspire your students.
Why Choose Master of Arts in English for Teachers?
The program is an alternative to the traditional choice of a master's degree in education or English, addressing the need for a practically focused graduate English program. By introducing practical tools to help you develop standards-based curricula and assessment, it addresses your pedagogical needs. The curriculum focuses on courses in literature, grammar, reading, and rhetoric related to the practical needs of teachers, and all tied to pedagogy and The Frameworks.
What Will You Study?
The program requires a total of 10 graduate courses (30 credit hours), including a three-credit capstone seminar. Students have the option of selecting up to three education courses. The curriculum stresses four competency areas: writing, speaking, reading/studying literature, and contemporary issues in the teaching of English. Course topics include advanced grammar; teaching writing; teaching English in a multicultural classroom, and literary studies in Shakespeare, poetry, and great works of American literature.
Top 5 Reasons to Choose The MA in English for Teachers
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Convenient for a Teacher’s Schedule
Online classes meet one night per week and are delivered via Zoom and Kodiak, a Desire to Learn platform, our easy-to-use learning management system.
"The MA in English for Teachers program accommodates the very full/busy life of the teacher."—Caitlin Walker
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Small Class Sizes
With an average class size under 20 students, you will easily engage with faculty and classmates.
"The small classes encourage lively discussions."—Kristen McClintock -
Caliber of Faculty
Our faculty have authored over a dozen books, including novels, scholarly studies, and textbooks. They hold the most advanced degrees in their fields and several have substantial teaching experience at the secondary school levels.
"The professors at WNE are the most knowledgeable and approachable I’ve learned from at the three colleges I’ve attended."—Ben McNeil -
A Fulfilling Experience
"The coursework is rigorous and challenging, but the take-a-ways are beyond invaluable. You end each semester feeling like you accomplished something and that you will actually use what you learned over the years, both in your classroom and in life. There is nothing better than feeling like all the effort you put in adds up and you actually 'get something' out of it."—Alison Alegresso -
Relevant and Customizable
"I chose the MA in English for Teachers for its course offerings. I wanted to learn more about the trends in education and be able to keep my instruction current."—Elizabeth Supranovich
Admissions Requirements
The Master of Arts in English for Teachers program is designed primarily for middle and secondary school English teachers, but is also available to all teachers with an interest in further study in English, as well as to individuals seeking a career change to teaching. Applicants to the MA in English for Teachers program must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and an academic or professional background equivalent to at least a minor in English. Further, it is preferable that each participant has either a provisional or standard state teaching certificate. For additional information about the graduate admissions process visit our Admissions page.
How are Courses Offered?
Course Delivery: 100% Online (Synchronous & Asynchronous)
Total Credits: 30
Our online model will consist of a blend of synchronous and asynchronous classes, offering a rich, highly interactive environment. Graduate candidates will be immersed in a community of learners with networking opportunities with faculty and classmates. Online synchronous courses will be scheduled for one night per week, meeting in the early evening, facilitated by Web conferencing software such as Zoom and Kodiak, our online learning management system.
Faculty
Our faculty have authored over a dozen books, including novels, scholarly studies, and textbooks. One of our most recently hired professors has published four novels, several of which have been reviewed in the New York Times Book Review and have been widely translated. Our Second Language specialist has published a textbook and just had his dissertation accepted for publication by an international press. Our 19th Century British Literature specialist has published a study of William Wordsworth. Our faculty also hold the most advanced degrees in their fields from many well-known colleges and universities, and several have substantial teaching experience at the secondary school levels.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE
The MA in English for Teachers program is ideal for candidates who possess the appropriate Initial License in Massachusetts and are looking to satisfy the Professional Licensure requirement for Massachusetts.
For Massachusetts teachers who hold an Initial License and have a master’s degree in an area other than English, the state provides a “12-credit” option to obtain a Professional License with subject matter knowledge in English. All of our MAET courses can count towards the 12 credits of content-based courses necessary to complete the master’s program requirement for Professional Licensure.
Please see the Licensure Requirements Tool on the Massachusetts DESE website for more information.
Please refer to the WNE Licensure and Certification Disclosures webpage for information about state-specific licensure requirements for other states.